Austria may be planning to cut social benefits for immigrants
Austria has stirred controversy by suggesting that immigrants who have been in the country for less than five years should have their social benefits reduced.
This proposal, like Denmark's approach, aims to link full social welfare benefits to the duration of residency and a specified employment period, regardless of nationality or residence status. The plan involves assessing which benefits would be subject to these criteria through an ongoing review process.
According to Austria Press Agency, Minister Raab's rationale is to make the labor market, rather than the welfare system, the driving force for immigrants to establish themselves in Austria. She has pointed out that the current immigration model needs adjustment.
To assist skilled workers considering relocating to Austria, Raab envisions establishing a national coordination office. This office would offer support for family integration, German language courses, childcare, and recreational activities, with the intention of expanding this service across the country.
However, the Greens, ÖVP's coalition partner, have officially rejected Raab's proposals. Green MP and integration speaker Faika El-Nagashi emphasized that cuts to existing social benefits are not a topic of discussion for them. El-Nagashi stressed that the crucial aspect is the necessity for support, rather than the duration of stay or level of employment in Austria.
Germany's push to ease citizenship path faces red tape reality check
After weaponizing immigrants, Europe’s East finds it needs them
Finland wants 15,000 international students, 30,000 workers a year by 2030
« Back to recommendation storiesI don't want to see these stories becauseSUBMIT
Criticism of the proposal also
